Tango y Cultura Popular ® English Edition TyCP Special | Page 35

Being a good
dance teacher
We shouldn’t forget that being a
TEACHER is to be an example, that
is why the teacher’s image has such
a value since we’ll be dealing with
human beings who have their own
lives and issues.
Caring about the group and keeping
it united, are other important tasks
that we should take into account as
teachers.
makes them grow, and go even
further. Inspiring, generating
good energy and joy is vital on
a teacher’s work. Day after day
he should praise his students’ best
efforts so they can surpass their
current abilities.
Instead of merely teaching steps,
a good teacher teaches how to
learn. He shows how to observe
a movement and adapt it to our
own body. He can also play a
psychologist role since he knows
when to push a too cautious dancer
or to slow down someone who is
too ambitious. The good teacher
opens his pupils’ minds to new
perspectives, leading dancers to
get to know themselves better, and
constantly reveals new ideas for
their improvement.
A Dance Teacher grants knowledge,
enthusiasm, and above all, passion
and joy, with the satisfaction this
profession brings.
What does a good teacher do?
Although it’s not necessary to be a
brilliant dancer, a good teacher is
clearly capable of making himself
understood. He instills a deep
sense of music into his class, and a
vigorous and pleasant feeling when
following its movements. It’s crucial
to know when and how to make
corrections so that they can be
accepted and assimilated.
But the teacher’s role goes beyond
simple instructions on how to
place our feet. His own enthusiasm
should undoubtedly be one of the
most valuable lessons to deliver.
He should be able to transmit a
strong feeling of love for the dance,
so as to stimulate his students
and help them search within
themselves, their own skills, what
A good teacher is a good student
who is continuously learning!
Besides he promotes a philosophy,
a set of values worth fighting for;
that comes from our inner sense;
of what is interesting and important
about dancing. And after having
taken lessons with him, many will
become aware that something
about his vision of dance is still
there, something that is now part of
them.
Cecilia Sara Olivero
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